James Gee simply reworded, in a complex manner, an old idea. As a parent, what is the best way to get your child to eat his vegetables? Involve him in the vegetable choice, the manner of cooking it, the way it is presented, and give him a reason to eat it that he believes in and can see the results of. Who hasn't given their child broccoli trees in mash potato soil, and let them eat it with their hands like a dinosaur so they can get to be big and strong like Daddy?
Turning any required activity or learning experience into something fun that a child is engaged in and can find value in is something parents have been doing for ever and so have innovative teachers. Those who are against game based learning in the classroom have very little concept of childrens needs but a solid grasp on what is politically expected in the schools. Politically, the importance is on the end result with very little consideration given to how we get there. We want our students to make the grades yet can't decide on how to help them do that.
While all learning can't be turned into a computer game, students can certainly benefit from bringing gaming concepts into the classroom. Having our students become an integral part of their learning process and school curriculum is the best way to aid them in making that ever popular 'grade'.